Hi Everyone,
Thanks to those of you who have sent something to the inbox. Please remember to send any contributions to helsby-race-reports@outlook.com.
Upcoming Events
A reminder that the next 4VHM meeting will be on Wednesday 23/10/19 at 8pm at the clubhouse.
This coming coming Sunday is the first race of the North West XC League at Beacon Park (snapshot below). But don’t forget that you can see all our local races on our race calendar: https://helsbyrunningclub.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/helsby_rc_calendar-31-07-2019.pdf
Racing News
Borders League – Race 1: Caernarfon – Sunday, 13th October 2019
Thanks to Richard Hankins for sending in a report on the 1st Borders League Fixture of the year:
Fitzy begged pleaded and eventually resorted to doughnuts to encourage the faithful down to Caernarfon. The furthest of the races in the Border League we always worry that we’ll struggle for numbers. Even Hannah Cowley joined in the pre-race encouragement via Facebook. On the day 18 Helsby men and 8 women turned out to endure the wonders of a British Autumn, despite numerous clashes, ill health etc.
It’s actually a really nice course. A couple of miles along the coast adjacent to the Menai Straits then inland and uphill for a couple of miles. There is a middle section along a relatively narrow open road with cars, vans and the odd lorry travelling in both directions. This section is a bit iffy as is the sharp and slippery left hand corner on a steep downhill at the end of it. At that point I thought I was about to start the descent and was more than a little disappointed to find another half a mile of uphill ahead of me. The finish is by the coast adjacent to the castle….a great location. That said with the driving rain it was easy to miss the views….especially if the rain had forced you to take your glasses off and you could no longer differentiate between the local PCSO and a runner for Chester Tri.
Hannah Cowley definitively demonstrated a return to form finishing a comfortable two minutes ahead of the second lady and achieving the course record. The rest of the ladies team ran admirably and they came third on the day. We’re looking forward to more success this year for the ladies…perhaps a team championship win is possible?
The men were led home by Mr Borders himself, Fitzy, in an impressive 35:52 followed by solid results for Nathan Woods and Kevin Smith. I knew the men’s team were in trouble when I came in 4th counter having proudly held P.11 for the team for the past four years. We did well for numbers and enthusiasm but the results show the speed wasn’t there across the men and we came last. But, we avoided any penalty points and we start the season in a challenging but recoverable position.
Overall, a great little event and I’d encourage anyone of any speed or level of experience to make these events. They’re free and friendly, real grassroots sport at a regional level.
Richard Hankins
Full results from Caernarfon are HERE
Palma Half Marathon – Sunday 13th October 2019
Thanks to Debbie Read for sending in a report from her race in Palma over the weekend:
Well I survived!
On what was an unseasonably hot Sunday I took part in the Palma half marathon.
A very well organised event, there was a choice of entering the 10k, half marathon or marathon, all starting in front of the iconic Palma Cathedral.
Having looked at the courses the 10k was a straight forward out and back along the seafront and marina.
The half marathon continued on into the historic part of the city and the marathon was 2 laps. I chose the half purely for the scenic old town.
Loving running on trails and woods, I was giving up the will to run after about 6k, what with the relentless tarmac/concrete but most of all the exposed sun and unforgiving heat.
Despite taking full advantage of the sponges and water at every water station I was overheating and was truly regretting having entered, asking myself why I’d entered such a long road race. Heading back towards the cathedral and considering dropping out at the 10k mark I heard a “Green Army! Oh, it’s Debbie” shout from a runner heading their way out – it was ex Green Army member Tanya! Well that gave me the boost I needed.
At 12k we turned into the old town where the course zig zagged and meandered through a mixture of narrow cobbled alleys, wide boulevards and the ring road, however they were mostly in the shade and I got my mojo back and actually started to enjoy myself.
Although I’d trained for the race, given the conditions it was never going to be about the time, just to finish, which I’m pleased I did. 2:06
Palma is a lovely city and I’d recommend visiting it, just maybe not to run 13 miles on Tarmac, concrete and stone in a heatwave when you’re a forest trail lovin’ kind of gal.
Parkrun – Saturday 12th October 2019
Well done everyone who did a park run at the weekend. Our consolidated club results can be seen HERE
That’s all for this week. If anyone still has something to contribute from the weekend then please do still send it in and we will include it in the next round-up.
Cheers,
Jim